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I need help figuring out the oil filter hype I've seen. I couldn't think of a better title, but I don't know if I'd like to make this an all-encompassing thread. Here'* some background information for why I'm opening this up:

Someone told me I should only run Mobil 1 or K&N oil filters because they filter the best out of any oil filter out there. I was also told to use the larger fitler (M1 201 or HP 2001) from the 4.3L V6 for greater filtration area. I asked about just using the AC Delco PF52, as I do, and the guy became very concerned and offered to pay the difference just so I would go "up" to a Mobil 1 or K&N. We stopped by a NAPA, and he told me that the reason that store had only NAPA-brand filters and K&N is that "they don't sell that garbage." Finally, he used the squishiness of the stock filters as compared to the solidity of the K&N and Mobil 1 filters to "prove" that there were more high-quality parts insdie the higher-priced ones.

Please help me take this down. Here'* what I know:

I like using Mopar, Motorcraft, and AC Delco as applicable since that'* what you get anyway when you go to a dealer for an oil change. I would never use Fram, but I think Bosch and its cheaper cousin Purolator are pretty good, too. However, I like to stick with the manufacturer-recommended filters. I read information on the side of a K&N box, and it seems the filter can take up to some PSI in the hundreds! There'* a little hole at the end of the filter to tie the thing to the chassis in case during racing conditions, the oil filter explodes off. You don't want that on the track.

Now, I am aware that instead of metal in the very center of each oil filter, the cheaper ones use plastic. I'm ok with this unless someone has truly found something wrong with the plastic. Mobil 1 and K&N seem to use the metal cores still. Also, you can see more filtering fins when you take them apart and compare them to the other filters. Is this necessary? How much filtering does one need?

In my opinion, since the PF52 is already a longer oil filter, it must provide more filtering area. I've seen it in pictures of the Intense shop, so even there it'* supported. I've got to go do something, but let me know what you think based on what I've typed so far. Thanks!

I personally use Pennzoil filters on my car. Just because I stock them at the shop. As far a filtration goes, Mobil 1, Amsoil, K&N and Wix are some of the best. The NAPA Gold filters are made by WIX fyi. In the COUNTLESS number of oil changes that I have done, I have never had a problem with a pennzoil filter. With the exception that sometimes they leave the rubber seal behind when you take them off. I believe that it is personal preference. Once my motor is broken in completely, I will be switching to either Mobil 1 or Royal Purple and will use a Mobil 1 filter. Just my personal preference. And I do too use the longer filter that fits the 4.3

personally, i dont see the need to run any of the more expensive filters like mobil 1 or k&n. the ac delco and the wix, purolators are all good quality filters that work just fine. especially since most of our car are daily drivers and they arent sports cars either.

p.*. FRAM is the devil. it has cardboard endcaps, and its the only filter that has been proven to fail

What is the reason not to run an AC Delco, a Motorcraft, or Mopar accordingly but rather to go to a Mobil 1 or K&N? I get upwards of 40 PSI at any given time. When my full-synthetic oil gets about 4500 miles on it, the pressure starts dropping from 40 to about 20-35 at idle.

I believe that synthetic oil is really good because it'* been proven to slow down/stop engine wear to a great extent. I've read here that the 3800 doesn't benefit as much as other engines from synthetic, but it'* still good to run that oil in it for peace of mind and longer change intervals. Elsewhere on the forum, I read Amsoil lasts longer without building up on the bottom, but Royal Purple has been shown, though it'* a great oil, builds up on the bottom and needs more frequent changes so as not to build up.

I just use the Mobil 1 full synthetic 10W-30, not the extended performance, but the cheaper version. I usually go 4000 miles per oil change, give or take 1000 miles. So, why run more than AC Delco? I don't have 200 PSI of oil pressure, and I don't need the rubber seal on the top crimped on the oil filter so that it doesn't fall off. Is there anyone that needs such a filter as an Amsoil, K&N, or Mobil 1?

the mobil one and k&n possibly and probably have a little better filtration than the normal ones. but the level that it filters out is not necessary for most of our applications, IMO. you will be just fine running an ac delco and your car will not last any longer with a expensive filter than it would with consistent oil changes. theres tons of high mileage motors on here and elsewhere that run ac delco, wix etc, that are just fine. mostly the reason people will run k&n and mobil 1 is personal preferance.

What'* with the 3K-mile change interval? If I run synthetic, I should be entitled to longer change intervals. I strongly believe it'* all about maintaining oil viscosity and changing when the oil seems to give. I did an oil change once at only 1800 miles because the oil looked really bad and congested. The filter? Mobil 1. That'* not fair, though, because I had an oil leak from the cooler and got coolant into the engine. The engine is fine now, though the alternator is going. That'* for another day.